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Choccy Wars: Vegan Brand Faces Legal Snowball Fight
2 Nov
Summary
- Mondelēz International sent a legal letter to Moo Free.
- The dispute concerns Moo Free's White Choccy Snowballs.
- Moo Free was asked to remove products before Christmas.
Mondelēz International, a major chocolate manufacturer, has initiated a trademark dispute with Moo Free, a small vegan chocolate company. Mondelēz, which owns brands like Cadbury and Toblerone, has formally requested Moo Free to cease selling its White Choccy Snowballs.
Moo Free's product, a gluten-free biscuit-flavored rice ball coated in dairy-free white chocolate, is alleged by Mondelēz to infringe upon their registered trademark for 'Snowball' and 'Snowballs'. Cadbury registered this trademark in 2001 for chocolate confectionery, with its own 'Mini Snow Balls' launching in their current form in 2023.
The legal action against Moo Free, which has been selling its snowballs for approximately two years, comes shortly after Mondelēz took similar steps against Catherine's Originals for allegedly copying Toblerone's distinctive shape. Moo Free's co-founder expressed surprise at the demand, particularly given the timing before the critical Christmas sales period.
Moo Free has responded by stating they take intellectual property seriously but do not accept that any infringement has occurred. They have also voiced solidarity with Catherine's Originals. A spokesperson for Mondelēz International clarified that no legal action has been taken, but they are communicating their trademark rights and are open to an amicable resolution.
This situation echoes past disputes over confectionery, such as the 2014 VAT case involving Tunnock's and Lees of Scotland, where their coconut-covered confections were granted VAT-exempt status due to their similarity to cake.
